FREE HUGS. What image comes to mind when you read this sentence? What would you do if someone approached you with a sign that said “Free Hugs”? Imagine what it would be like to give and receive free hugs. What effects would these hugs have on you and others? Could hugs be used to improve relationships? Improve health? Heal emotional wounds? Change the policy? Does it create compassion and understanding? Here’s my story on free hugs and its effects.
The video “Free Hugs” (you can find it at http://www.youtube.com) inspired a group of 20 people in Oaxaca, Mexico, (where I live) to go out and give free hugs. We were not affiliated with any social, political or religious group. We went out to give “free hugs” because we liked the video, because the people of Oaxaca during the political conflict that existed in 2006 needed a hug, and because it resonated with something deep within us.
We meet with our “Free Hugs” or “I’ll give you a hug” signs, then we walk down the main pedestrian walkway in Oaxaca City to the Zócalo (Central Square). At first I felt strange as did the looks people would throw at me when they saw my poster. Who was I to give them a hug? How would they react?
I gave hugs to everyone I encountered: children, parents, couples, singles, young and old walking down the street, store workers, street vendors, teachers, politicians, and more. Giving hugs to complete strangers is a unique sensation. There is a discomfort and mistrust that appears at first, and then changes as the embrace transpires. However, each hug was special. Some people smiled and walked by. Some people wanted a hug but were too afraid to receive it. Others would hesitate and then shyly or uncertainly would receive a hug if I approached them. Some hugs were tentative, shy and awkward, others were light and free. Some people approached me with outstretched arms. A woman called me to ask for hugs for her and her friends. Some even kissed the check. Many hugs were deep, intense, enveloping and loving. Some hugs met the needs for contact, compassion, and understanding. Others were recharging depleted energy and welcoming those who felt defeated or misunderstood. Other hugs were for fun. There were glances of gratitude, smiles, tenderness, softening and joy. A connection was formed when we touched. All the people, whether they received a hug or just watched, smiled. This impressed me. What a transformation!
I changed in that 2 hour period of hugs. I got hugs, I didn’t just give them. I was also being touched physically, mentally and emotionally. I could feel my heart opening. I wondered when was the last time I got hugs for two hours. I couldn’t remember a single time. She was being touched and appreciated during those hugging hours as she touched and appreciated others. I felt recharged, energetic and happy. I made heart contact with people.
This experience was recorded in the memory of the inhabitants of Oaxaca in photos in the newspapers, conversations on the radio and personal conversations of those who gave and received hugs, and those who only found out about it. This “touching” experience (no pun intended) is a wonderful sign of the value of hugging. People were impressed and delighted with the positive effect it had. It is a beautiful experience to give hugs to complete strangers. It reminded me that we are ONE, all part of the family called humanity.
Hugging can be very healing. It is different from other energy healing modalities because hugging is something that anyone can see, feel and experience. I love energy work, but many people have not understood how spiritually based energy work develops in the physical world. Hugs bring the spiritual and physical worlds together in a delicious way. These hugs were energy that became tangible. They made spirituality tangible. I highly recommend it.
What could we heal with hugs? Can we heal a wound, the pain of a sarcastic word, loneliness, sadness, fear, anger, hatred, despair, illness and conflict? Wouldn’t you rather give a hug than respond with anger and rejection? How much conflict could you resolve by giving hugs? We may not be able to heal all wounds with a hug, but it sure is a good place to start. Move along; give yourself a hug every day. Your body will thank you. Hug a friend, parent, spouse, partner, neighbor, child, or pet. Hug someone when they feel good and especially when they don’t. Go ahead and give it a try. See how it feels. See how your hugs affect you and those who receive them.
Go to my website to receive my gift to you, an EFT script and an audio for peace in English or Spanish. Click on the following link to view and / or download it. Click Find the interior light
to enter the site. For English, click the icon EFT Scripts / Audios, for Spanish click EFT Writings / Audios.
Let’s spread peace by creating it within each of us and then sharing that peace.
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